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Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Hothead Games is pleased to announce that the anxiously-awaited Episode Two in its well-received Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness game series has reached Gold Master status for the Windows, Mac and Linux versions. In recognition of this momentous milestone, Hothead has further announced that Episode Two will be priced at $14.95 for download this fall via the Greenhouse digital distribution service (www.playgreenhouse.com) and other popular digital distribution systems or 1200 Microsoft points on Xbox LIVE Arcade. The PLAYSTATION Network version of Episode Two is also expected for release shortly thereafter with similar pricing.

"Episode One was a huge investment for us and established a great base from which we built Episode Two. It allows us to focus even more on the fans in developing future games in the series," said Hothead's CEO, Vlad Ceraldi. "Our new game has a lot of great enhancements that were made possible by direct fan interaction and we are extremely excited to get our game into their hands and get their feedback."

The madcap Penny Arcade experience continues in Episode Two where gamers return to the deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia and rejoin Gabe and Tycho of the Startling Developments Detective Agency to visit crazy new areas, combat bigger and badder enemies, solve even more wacky puzzles and get ever closer to unraveling the mystery in the sinister heart of New Arcadia.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode Two has been rated "M" for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board for all platforms.

Hudson announced that they are releasing Bomberman Ultra, an all-new Bomberman for digital download on the PLAYSTATION Network this winter. Retaining classic gameplay elements combined with 8-person online multiplayer, full character customization and gorgeous high-definition graphics, Bomberman Ultra is slated to launch worldwide this winter.

“The Bomberman series is one of the most popular brands in the history of Hudson Entertainment,” said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. “Bringing Bomberman Ultra to the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system is a natural progression for the series and signifies our faith that the brand is beloved by gamers across all platforms.”

Fans of the popular series will be able to compete with the best Bomberman players worldwide, as Bomberman Ultra delivers frantic 8-player multiplayer battles online in 14 exotic arenas, as well as 4-player local multiplayer. Players can customize their own Bomberman characters with more than 50 character costumes, resulting in more than 150,000 possible combinations!

Bomberman Ultra delivers frantic, explosive action, motivating players to remain competitive and fight to prove that they are the best Bomberman player in the world. Utilizing the leaderboards, players can track their ranking to see just how they good they really are, and what they need in order to bomb their way to the top of the chart!

About BombermanOriginally launched in the US in 1987, the game captured gamers’ hearts with its simple yet challenging gameplay. With over 60 iterations on nearly all major consoles since then, and over 10 million units sold, winning accolades as the best multiplayer game of all time, this classic game has stood the test of time. Along the way, it also pioneered the “party game” genre, encouraging groups of 4 or more friends to duke it out in one room, and was the first series to contribute to Hudson’s reputation as the number one party game company.

“Thoroughly recommended... the sheer design accuracy means that this is a must for any Hawker enthusiast”– Avsim.com.

“I can assure you, this beauty will be staying in my aircraft hangar for ever – I love it!”Mutley's Hangar.

“Hawker Hunter - The E-type Jaguar of fighter aircraft!”

The Hawker Hunter is a record breaker, cold war warrior and it’s now legal for a PPL to fly one!

The Hunter is perhaps the most impossibly beautiful aircraft ever assembled. No, not assembled - but sculpted as though from a single block of aircraft grade aluminium.

Designed by Sir Sidney Camm, an engineer whose designs span biplane to jump jet, the Hunter is a remarkable machine.

The Rolls Royce Avon will propel you at Mach 0.94 at sea level, and let you climb at no less than 10,500ft/min to 'touch the face of God' at 51,000ft.

Hunters were the chosen mount of the famous Black Arrows, their livery one of many in this simulation. Their 22-plane formation loop, set a record which stands to this day.

In 1953, fighter ace and acclaimed test pilot Neville Duke, flew the Hunter against a backdrop of the Sussex coast to set a new world speed record of 727.63 mph. Duke described flying the Hunter into the sound barrier as 'A piece of cake', and the Hunter the love of his professional life.

The Hunter was a true fighter of the cold war but a pair remain in service with the UK military today, more than 50 years after its maiden flight. This pair of privately owned ex-Swiss AF Hunter F.58s is leased to the MoD to act as ‘simulated missiles’ in Royal Navy ‘war-games.’

Of course the Hunter also remains a popular sight at with 100,000s of spectators at airshows around the world! The old adage of ‘if it looks right, it flies right’ could have been written for the Hunter – and it certainly looks ‘right.’Pre-Flight

The AlphaSim Hunter simulation is compatible with FS2004 with the FSX version including subtle reflectivity, bump mapping, self-shadowing and bloom and even signs of weathering. The static realization includes the cockpit ladder engine covers and pitot tags. The speedbrake is restricted to operate only with wheels up – just as in the real Hunter.The simulation covers 7 unique variants and 8 texture sets including the Black Arrows, and the famous Swiss air force examples where the pilots were often part-time and the runways empty motorways!

Looking into the cockpit the auto-animated avatar even has correct insignia on his arm patches.Once started the high quality sound rendition of the Rolls Royce Avon is unmistakable. Starting produces exhaust smoke which settles to the turbine glow.

“Going Hunting”

Inside the hunter, is a special place. No glass cockpit here, no fly-by-wire avionics or 'plastic' aeroplane. This is the real thing.Be it the 2D panels or the virtual cockpit the realistic dark military finish looks particularly purposeful but not intimidating. Perfectly simulated by AlphaSim, the Hawker's designers clearly thought about this panel – unlike perhaps those of Jaguar's E-type! Most of the systems will be very familiar to the general aviation pilot and in fact the Hunter is legal on a PPL.The realistic all-xml 2D panel, custom pop-ups for autopilot, electrics and radios and in addition to the printed manual a PDF guide to all the features. Within the FS2004 variant the VC includes rain effects, in FSX night illumination of the gauges and with SP2, self shadowing.The VC is fully authentic and includes many animations and 'mouseable' controls.Sweep into the sky and the simulation matches the superb responsiveness of the real jet. The real Hunter just felt 'right' and the simulation feels authentically just so. This highly authentic replication, and comes complete with checklists to follow operational procedure.Using the aircraft to high speed aerobatic advantage, the wing-tip vortices flicker with vapour…

Image by chaky_flickr via FlickrBe the first to sing along to the spectacular music of Queen when SingStarSongPacks launch in SingStore

SingStar “will rock you” when, for the first-time ever, a series of special themed SingStar SongPacks launch in SingStore. New from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, SingStar SongPacks will feature five hit tracks to download directly to your PLAYSTATION 3 for only £4.49. To celebrate, the first two SongPacks will mark the arrival of Queen onto SingStar on October 2nd 2008.

Save time creating your perfect playlist and pick up five of the hottest SingStore tracks in one pack. All you need to get the party started is a PS3, a copy of SingStar and a couple of SingStar microphones. Simply log into SingStore, access the SongPack section, select your Queen SongPack of choice, and download – it’s that easy! Whether you feel like stretching your vocal chords with “Bohemian Rhapsody” or belting out “We Are The Champions” with your mates after a great night out, simply select your tune from either of these SongPacks:

We Will Rock YouAnother One Bites The DustWho Wants To Live ForeverI Want It AllWe Are The Champions

SingStar SongPacks will release in SingStore every two weeks, meaning you’ll never have to wait long to download your favourite tunes at a great price. The SongPacks are perfect for all musical tastes and are a quick and easy way to get your hands on the best tracks that SingStar has to offer - providing the perfect soundtrack for your party.

Head to SingStore and start downloading when the first official SongPacks launch on October 2nd. For more information, please contact your local PR manager.

New Female and Male Mercenaries Unveiled with the Grand Opening of "The Black Market"

Nexon America Inc. announces the commercial launch of its free-to-play, online, multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) thriller Combat Arms slated for October 1st. With the addition of the highly anticipated “Black Market,” the new in-game cash item shop, gamers now have access to new female and male mercenaries, customized items and “fresh start” options to help fulfill missions. Combat Arms is available free for download at http://combatarms.nexon.net. Gamers can also experience Combat Arms at the E for All consumer show on Oct. 3-5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Combat Arms incorporates character options and built-in clan and Web 2.0 community features into its fast-paced game play. Now, with the commercial launch and the game’s Black Market, players have even more ways to personalize the game and further distinguish their look on the battlefield. New mercenaries, Mei, the first female character, and Deckland, can be hired for 30 days as an added character. Each comes with an allotment of 50,000 Gear Points for players to create their mercenary’s own gear loadout. Players can also opt to use the same weapons for their mercenary as their base character. The game also introduces a revamped melee system with several new melee weapons, such as the Ninjato and the Machete. Gamers will have the option to purchase these new weapons with Nexon Cash. New aesthetic gear such as the FG-1 Fire Mask, Boonie Hat and the Tactical Backpack, will also now be available for purchase.

“Combat Arms had a great beta run, with players of all levels loving the fast-action FPS game play and in-game community features for ranking and challenging other players,” said Min Kim, vice president of marketing for Nexon America. “With this launch, gamers now have access to additional play options that help the player stand out without compromising the fairness of play.”

Players and clans can now also use Nexon Cash to purchase name changes and statistic resets through the Black Market. The reset function allows players who have improved within the game a chance to deliver a more accurate representation of their current skill level without having to restart an account and lose their hard earned rank. Additionally, Clans can further distinguish their squad by creating their own Clan Emblem, which will be permanently displayed to all other players both in-game and on the official Web site.

These are the first items for purchase in the Black Market, but players can expect additional variety in the future. To date, Combat Arms has expanded its free content to feature more than 40 weapons, eight maps, four game modes, and robust character and weapon customization features, and will continue to enhance and upgrade both its free and paid offerings with bi-monthly content updates.

Interested gamers can sign up for free at http://combatarms.nexon.net. Media should contact Nexon Public Relations for any additional information.

Gamers will have the opportunity to hone their war fighting and strategy skills in “War World.”

Travel to a far away planet for a pure adrenaline rush! “War World” is a fast-paced third person shooter that features a unique blend of action and tactical gameplay, which sets it apart from any other multiplayer shooter. The game features powerful armored mechanoids that battle head-to-head in an all-out savage single and multiplayer war.

Choose from 16 different mechanoids, each has its own special abilities and advantages, including Extreme Speed, High Damage Lasers, Missiles and more.

The single player Arcade mode boasts a 100 level campaign that can be played with five levels of difficulty. Rather take on the opponents with friends? “War World” multiplayer offers four unique game-modes: Capture the Flag, Bomb Assault, Death Match and Team Death Match.

Developed by Third Wave Games and published by Ubisoft, “War World” will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide.

Hudson Entertainment announced that it is bringing Marble Saga: Kororinpa, an exciting puzzle adventure centering around a marble, exclusively to Nintendo Wii next spring.

The sequel to Kororinpa: Marble Mania, Marble Saga: Kororinpa is full of new levels for gamers to explore, 4-person multiplayer gameplay, tons of customization features, the ability to connect and compete online and the use of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board as features.

“Gamers will be amazed to see how much entertainment we have packed into Marble Saga,” said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. “Whether players want to compete with each other through multiplayer or Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, explore more than 150 levels by themselves, or use the Nintendo Wii Balance Board for additional fun, this game really will deliver an action-packed adventure for gamers of all ages.”

The story takes place with players heading out on a journey with Anthony the Ant as he searches for the Golden Sunflower. By guiding Anthony’s marble around the Ant World and searching for items which are valuable to help reach the Golden Sunflower, gamers will help Anthony save his colony. Along the way players will face dangerous mazes and use cool and amazing widgets and gadgets to guide Anthony to his objective. With multiple levels to explore and three difficulty stages within each level, no area is ever the same.

Unique features in Marble Saga: Kororinpa allow fun customization for players. From designing the ball with attributes to helping players navigate through stages easier, to Nintendo Miis and preset fun images, to an Edit Mode which allows for custom design of a unique stage, gamers can really make this entertaining experience their own. For a more competitive tone, a 4-person multiplayer mode allows players to compete with three other opponents on the same map as each races to the finish line. For more customization and group fun with others, the Wii Connect 24 feature allows gamers to share the unique stages they created with their friends or to receive extra stages from Hudson after the game’s launch via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Additionally, Wi-Fi Leaderboards let players compete online against each other to see who can navigate through the world the fastest.

For those who can’t live without gaming peripherals, the Wii Balance Board can be used as players navigate through the world as the ball with this new feature. In addition, gamers can utilize 40 innovative and useful widgets to help assist them in guiding their marble, including shrinking machines, movable bridges, vacuum tubes, cannon vaults and more!

Happy Tails - Animal Shelter, the newest release from Viva Media, players are responsible for all kinds of cute animals who are counting on them to change their lives. The game features hamsters, puppies, kittens, bunnies, and more. Players are presented with a unique case history for each animal, and must tailor their treatment based on that particular animal's past and physical condition. After nursing them back to health and forming a level of trust through caretaking and play, it's up to the player to match them with the perfect owner to make sure everyone gets a happy ending!

Viva Media CEO Carlo Voelker says of Happy Tails: Animal Shelter, "It's the kind of game we love to publish since it offers wholesome fun and addictive gameplay for kids, and at the same time, it serves up an important lesson on the joys and responsibilities of pet care and ownership. "

Happy Tails - Animal Shelter is the first in Viva Media's award winning line of animal simulations to combine caring for animals with learning about people as well. It empowers children to take charge and make independent decisions. The game pushes them to use their problem solving skills and understand the effects of the choices they make. But it's not all educational! Kids will also love interacting with their favorite animals as they feed, groom, and play with their new friends. And charming 3D graphics and adorable animations will delight the whole family!

Features:

Over 99 unique animal Stories7 different kinds of animals to love – including wild fawns!An animal library to learn fun facts about your new friendsVet check-ups show you how far your animals have come